Constraining and Freeing: The Meaning of Inclusive Leisure Experiences for Individuals with Disabilities

Meanings are ascribed to behaviours, objects, and language through a process of social interaction. It has been noted that meaning is experience creating in that the ways in which behaviours, objects, and language are defined creates the experience (Buchanan, Christensen, & Burdge, 1981). The meaning of leisure experiences are important as it aids in understanding and explaining human behaviour (Mobily, 1989). The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of inclusive leisure by individuals with disabilities on the recreation experience. Findings revealed that the meaning of inclusive leisure ranged from constraining to freeing, with context and the role of the social group emerging as pivotal factors in creating those meanings. This study expands the understanding of inclusive leisure environments by giving voice to individuals with disabilities, with focus on context and the role of the social group.